Monday, 5 August 2013

A Reminiscence of Writers

I’ve just returned from the Writers’ Holiday, held for the last time at Caerleon, near Newport, Wales. (Next year’s takes place at Fishguard - for more information visit here: http://www.writersholiday.net.)

These conferences and get togethers are always great fun, a good place to forge friendships, network, learn from others (and wear pink hair - but that’s another story!). Indeed, the overriding point of these events is the sharing of knowledge - everyone is willing to help everyone, sharing tips, news and techniques.

So this week’s post is a look back at some of the snippets of advice I’ve heard whilst at Caerleon over the years …

Solange Hando, travel writer, said: “Start a travel piece with some action, or an anecdote. It gives the piece a human angle immediately and draws the reader in.”

Irene Yates, short story writer: “Don’t write in a writerly voice - find your own voice. Write in a way that feels natural to you. Don’t be tempted to use complicated grammar, or big words, if it’s not something that comes naturally to you.”

Lynne Hackles, short story writer: “Think of a short story as a piece of knicker elastic. It works best when it’s tight!”

And I think it would be appropriate if the last piece of advice came from novelist Trisha Ashley, who delivered the last speech at the last Caerleon Writers’ Holiday, where she said: “Writer’s block is a luxury. Get over it and get on with it [the writing].”

Solange's point is great - too many start a travel piece with a taxi ride to the airport. You're telling a story, describing an adventure, selling a destination, not keeping a diary of your holiday fortnight.